January 2015 issue

Posted on January 6, 2015

Happy New Year! We’re particularly proud of the pictures in our gorgeous January issue, which features an interview with veteran photographer Ron Self (who also photographs the World Professional Ballroom Championship for us in this issue) – plus reports, interviews, Strictly and more.

“When it comes to sheer elegance, Monica wins hands down. Her classic look is without frippery and fuss. She is highly influential in the development of her couture gowns, which first and foremost must look feminine, accentuate the body and incorporate detail…

“‘It also has to provide the right look for the couple,’ she advises. ‘It’s no good it looking good on the lady if the overall picture doesn’t look right…’”

Back by popular demand! Our readers’ survey made it clear that dancers are eager to learn and improve. James Whitehead’s column returns, this month talking about timing:

“Sometimes the difficulties in finding the speed come more often when that ticking beat is not so emphatic. Maybe there is little or no percussive element in the music, or it’s found mainly at the beginning of the song, in which case you have to be prepared to listen out for different instruments. Maybe you have to listen to the phrasing of vocals, picking out those words with emphasis, or accents in piano chords to help you find the tempo…”

Zoë was born in Edinburgh, and saw her first dance performances at the Festival there. She is the dance critic of The Independent, and has also written for The Independent on Sunday, The Scotsman and Dancing Times. In 2002, she received her doctorate from the University of York for a thesis on “Nationhood and epic romance: Ariosto, Sidney, Spenser”. She is the author of The Royal Ballet: 75 Years and The Ballet Lover’s Companion.